Project Manager - Partnership Empowered

DLA Piper; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global law firm is seeking a Project Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will lead strategic and operational projects that enhance partner engagement and business performance. Key responsibilities include project management across recruitment, onboarding, and partner development, along with stakeholder collaboration. Required are 5+ years in project management within professional services or the legal sector, and a relevant degree or certification. This position offers an inclusive culture focused on innovation and social impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• 5+ years in project management, ideally within professional services or legal sector.
• Experience managing projects related to talent, remuneration, or partner lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver strategic and operational projects across the entire partner lifecycle.
• Collaborate with project owners and senior stakeholders as required.
• Identify opportunities to enhance partner lifecycle processes.

Skills

Project Management Expertise

Legal Sector Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Analytical & Data Skills

Communication

Change Leadership

Education

Degree in Business, HR, Law, or related field

Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)

Job description

The Project Manager will lead and deliver strategic and operational projects across the entire partner lifecycle (Partnership Empowered) – from recruitment and onboarding through development, and remuneration. This role ensures that partner-related initiatives are executed efficiently, aligned with firm strategy, and deliver measurable impact on partner engagement and business performance.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Project Management

• Recruitment & Lateral Integration and Onboarding
• Partner and Leadership Development
• Remuneration & Benefits

Define project scope, objectives, timelines, and success metrics.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with project owners, and senior stakeholders as required
• Facilitate workshops and meetings as required, ensuring appropriate actions are taken

Process Improvement & Governance

• Identify opportunities to enhance partner lifecycle processes
• Implement best practices in project governance, compliance and data integrity

Data & Reporting

• Work with subject matter experts and the data team to develop dashboards and reports to track project progress and partner lifecycle metrics
• Use data insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement

Change Management

• Create communication plans and materials to support and embed changes.

Skills & Competencies

• Project Management Expertise: Proven experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Legal Sector Knowledge: Understanding of law firm structures, and governance
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to influence senior leaders and manage sensitive partner-related matters
• Analytical & Data Skills: Comfortable with financial models, KPIs, and reporting tools
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills; ability to present to senior audiences
• Change Leadership: Skilled in driving cultural and operational change

Experience

• 5+ years in project management, ideally within professional services or legal sector
• Experience managing projects related to talent, remuneration, or partner lifecycle
• Familiarity with global, matrixed organizations

Qualifications

• Degree in Business, HR, Law, or related field
• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) preferred

Success Measures

• Timely and on-budget delivery of partner lifecycle projects
• Improved partner onboarding experience and integration success
• Enhanced transparency and efficiency in partner remuneration and development processes
• Positive feedback from partners and leadership

Please note: this is a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people - however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.